Is The Windows 10 Free Upgrade Still Free?

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  1. Posts : 13,895
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #21

    The Notebook I mentioned earlier in this thread came with Vista, I Upgraded it to Win7, installed SP1 then used the referenced method to further Upgrade to Win10 and Win10 never asked for the Product Key from Win7. The final reboot of the installation showed Win10 as Activated.

    I noticed one difference from earlier Upgrades, the install.esd file at 2.9GB is a few hundred MB smaller than what I'd saved on those other computers.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 15,024
    Windows 10 IoT
       #22

    @ Avocado >> Use the wrong ISO and you will get asked for a key. Example, Use the Home "Single Language" ISO thinking its Home, when you should be using the multi edition ISO, and you get prompted for a key.
    Upgrade to the correct version of Windows 10 using the correct install media (ISO) and you won't be asked to enter a key. Assuming your current install is legally activated that is.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 824
    Win10/64 Pro 1511 (and 2 Win 7/64 Ult & Pro systems)
       #23

    Caledon Ken said:
    This article was posted in Techspot right at the end of December.

    You Can Still Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free, Even After Offer Expired - TechSpot

    I'm not encouraging or recommending mis-representing your needs for special technologies, just providing a link.
    WOW, this article does seem to be at least tacitly suggesting that folks do the "wrong" thing, despite the little CYA disclaimer tacked on at the end about doing the right thing:
    In other words let your conscience be your guide.
    The author mentions the Assistive Technologies option FIRST and FOREMOST, even as it likely applies to very few people and likely has already been used by those who legitimately qualify for it.
    That hovers just barely this side of Kosher.

    Just my two cents and worth less.:)

    MM

    P.S. @Caledon Ken, I am NOT in any way suggesting that you were/are promoting lying to get Win10. I merely quoted your post because it contains the link to the TechSpot article.:)
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,983
    Windows 10 x86 14383 Insider Pro and Core 10240
       #24

    Last time I had the opportunity to successfully upgrade a system to Windows 10 from a qualifying OS was in October 2016. As long as the genuineticket.xml file is the basis for validating an installation for activation during updates or installations, there is little chance of the "free" upgrade becoming unavailable. It may be that future setup versions will prevent this. If an earlier RTM version of Windows 10 like 10586 is used for installation or upgrade, which has numerous alternative pathways to activation, there is little reason to suppose that activation will not follow automatically.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 13,895
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #25

    Just did another Upgrade from Win7 w/SP1 to Win10, both Home versions. Win7 was activated and the install of Win10 Version 1607 Build 14393.0 is activated, now downloading the latest update. The only thing with this latest is the install.esd file never showed up.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 30,117
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #26

    I know this is an old thread but thought I might be able to get an update from the members

    I have a Lenovo E530 running WIndows 7 Pro. OEM License. All valid stuff.

    Does anyone know if the upgrade is still being performed for free to Win 10 for OEM licenses.

    I assume I just use the tool and take the option "Upgrade this PC"

    I used ShowKeyPlus and received an OEM key and an "Installed" key. Of course if process is still working it will just use keys it needs without asking. Thing I was concerned with was OEM license and it not being a Retail.

    Any recent usage of the tool and upgrade process? Anyone know of an issue with OEM licenses.

    Thank you all.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 13,895
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #27

    I've done the free Upgrade on several OEM machines. As far as I can see the only thing that actually expired was the GWX/Get Windows 10 application. I'd try the Media Creation Tool to download what is needed, either an .iso file to use in burning the bootable install DVD or the bootable USB Thumb drive [use 8GB or larger, every thing on it will be deleted]. I've used it several times without issue.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 30,117
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Version 23H2
       #28

    Thanks Berton. When you create USB key, which I have, do you just run "Setup"?

    Thanks again.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 13,895
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #29

    The USB key created by MCT is supposed to be bootable but I've only plugged it in on a running Win10 computer and in File Explorer run the setup.exe file, used it for Upgrading over a previous Version.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #30

    I did this twice today.

    Downloaded the X64 iso, created the flash drive, updated from a running, activated, Windows 7 Home. Win 10 was activated when done.
    Ditto for a X86 Win 10 to a running, activated, Windows 8.1 system. Again, Win 10 activated when install completed.
      My Computers


 

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